US20060174553A1

US20060174553A1 - Retainer and method for attaching lines to lightweight elements of means of transport, in particular to sandwich panels of aircraft

Info

Publication number: US20060174553A1
Application number: US11/285,795
Authority: US
Inventors: Daniel Diergardt
Original assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
Current assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
Priority date: 2004-11-30
Filing date: 2005-11-23
Publication date: 2006-08-10
Also published as: EP1662629B1; DE102004057568A1; ATE442692T1; DE502005008097D1; EP1662629A2; CA2527545A1; EP1662629B8; EP1662629A3

Abstract

A retainer for attaching lines to lightweight elements of means of transport, in particular to sandwich panels of aircraft, with at least one base plate comprising at least one retaining stud. The retaining stud or studs can be cemented into a borehole within a lightweight element. The retaining studs are designed to be free of any undercut, and are connected in one piece to the base plate. A method is also provided for attaching lines to lightweight elements of means of transport, in particular to sandwich panels of aircraft, by means of a retainer comprising at least one retaining stud and a base plate.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a retainer for attaching lines to lightweight elements of means of transport, in particular to sandwich panels of aircraft, with at least one base plate comprising a retaining stud.
The invention relates to a retainer for attaching lines to lightweight elements of means of transport, in particular to sandwich panels of aircraft, with at least one base plate comprising a retaining stud.
Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for attaching lines to lightweight elements of means of transport, in particular to sandwich panels of aircraft, by means of the retainer according to the invention.
Known retainers for attaching lines in means of transport, in particular for attaching electrical, optical or hydraulic lines in aircraft, are generally optimised for use on structural elements. Such holders are normally attached directly to the respective aluminium or steel components, for example to stiffeners or supports, by means of screw connections, clamp connections, adhesive connections or plug-type connections.
However, attaching the known retainers to lightweight elements, for example to sandwich panels, is more involved. In order to attach the known retainers, first a borehole has to be made in the lightweight element. Thereafter an insert, i.e. a nut or a sleeve or the like, is firmly cemented into the borehole. The insert then comprises for example a threaded borehole, into which a screw can be turned to attach the actual retainer. On the retainer itself the actual line, for example a hydraulic line, electric line or fibre-optic line, is attached by corresponding attachment means. As an alternative it is also possible to first connect an adapter to the retainer, wherein corresponding counterpieces are arranged on the line, which counterpieces in turn are quickly and easily attachable to the adapter, for example by means of a snap-on connection. This is associated with an advantage in that the counterpieces can already be attached to the line prior to installation (preassembly). Furthermore, the use of different adapters makes it possible to use only one retainer for different line cross sections and/or line types.
Accordingly, attaching such lines to lightweight elements by means of the known retainers always requires several work steps and is correspondingly involved. Furthermore, the multitude of parts (insert, screw) required to attach the retainer results in additional weight and the danger of losing parts.
Known retainers are thus only suitable to a limited extent for uncomplicated attachment of lines to lightweight elements, in particular to sandwich panels, in means of transport.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Amongst other things, it may be an object of the invention to create a retainer and a method which make possible fast and simple attachment of lines to lightweight elements of means of transport, in particular to sandwich panels of aircraft.
This object may be met by a retainer with the characteristics of claim 1.
Because the retaining stud or each of the retaining studs can be cemented into a borehole within a lightweight element, wherein the retaining stud or retaining studs is/are designed to be free of any undercut, and is/are connected in one piece to the base plate, easy and quick attachment of the retainer according to the invention to lightweight elements, in particular to sandwich panels, may be provided. Moreover, due to the single-piece design only a reduced number of components are required to attach the retainer, as a result of which not only the weight of the entire retainer but also the danger of losing parts during installation of the retainer may be reduced. Moreover, cementing the retaining stud within the core structure of a sandwich panel in a way that is difficult to undo may result in great mechanical loadability of the retainer according to the invention so that even lines with considerable mass can safely be attached to lightweight elements.
Furthermore, the object may be met by a method with the characteristics of claim 15.
By making at least one borehole in the lightweight element, by inserting the retaining stud or the retaining studs into the respective borehole, by inserting adhesive into the respective borehole through at least one filling channel in the respective retaining stud so as to attach the retainer in the lightweight element, and by attaching at least one line in the region of the base plate, easy and quick attachment of the retainer to lightweight elements may be provided, in particular to sandwich panels, for attaching lines. Moreover, there is a good transfer of mechanical forces, that act on the retainer, to the lightweight element.
Further embodiments of the retainer and the method are disclosed in further claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:
FIG. 1 shows a front view of a first embodiment variant of the retainer with a retaining stud;
FIG. 2 shows a top view of the first embodiment variant of the retainer;
FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the first embodiment variant of the retainer;
FIG. 4 shows a top view of a second embodiment variant of the retainer with two retaining studs;
FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the second embodiment variant of the retainer;
FIG. 6 shows a section view of a retainer, cemented into a sandwich panel, according to the first embodiment variant;
FIG. 7 shows a diagrammatic view of the force progression during the transfer of shearing forces from the retainer to the sandwich panel;
FIG. 8 shows a diagrammatic view of the force progression during the transfer of tensile forces from the retainer to the sandwich panel; and
FIG. 9 shows a section of the sandwich panel along the section line A-A of FIG. 8 during the introduction of tensile forces into the retainer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a front view of a first embodiment variant of a holder 1 with a retaining stud 2.
The retaining stud 2 is arranged on a base plate 3. The base plate 3 and the retaining stud 2 are designed in one piece and together form the retainer 1. The retainer 1 can be made from a suitable material, for example in the injection moulding process, so as to reach through. Furthermore, the plastic material can also comprise fibre reinforcement.
An adapter 4 is attached to the base plate 3. Firm connection of the adapter 4 to the base plate 3 is by connection means (not shown in detail) such as for example snap-on elements or the like. In the adapter 4 a lead-through 4 a for an attachment means, for example for a cable tie, is provided to attach one or several lines directly to the adapter 4.
In one embodiment variant of the adapter 4, said adapter 4 comprises accommodation means to connect to counterpieces located on the line. The accommodation means, the line to be attached, and the counterpieces arranged on the line are not shown in detail. This design makes it possible, prior to the actual installation, to provide counterpieces that are at a defined spacing from each other to a line that is to be attached using the retainer 1 (i.e. preassembly) so that the line can be attached to the adapter 4 by an easy standardised connection procedure, for example by pushing, clipping or sliding the counterpieces onto the respective accommodation means.
In a further alternative embodiment the adapter 4 can be designed such that a line to be attached, which in this case does not comprise any counterpieces, can be attached directly to the adapter 4 by an easy standardised connection procedure, for example by pushing, clipping, sliding or the like. In this case the adapter 4 comprises attachment means (not shown in detail), for example snap-on elements, clamp elements, clamps, straps or the like.
In a further embodiment variant of the retainer 1 according to the invention, no adapter 4 is used, and the line to be attached can be attached directly to the base plate 3 by means of at least one suitable attachment means, for example a cable tie, a strap or the like. In this case the retainer 1 comprises at least one lead-through, designed correspondingly to the lead-through 4 a, by way of which the attachment means (singular or plural) is/are fed to attach the line, i.e. attached to the base plate.
The lines attached by means of the retainer 1 according to the invention to lightweight elements can be cables or lines of any type, for example hydraulic lines, electric lines, fibre-optic lines or the like. Furthermore, individual lines or a multitude of lines, even of different kinds, can be attached by means of the retainer 1.
The retainer 1 according to the invention is intended to attach lines to lightweight panels, in particular to sandwich panels. The sandwich panels preferably have a core structure of metal materials and/or plastic materials. The core structure can for example be a honeycomb, open folding honeycomb, foam or the like. The core structure comprises one or several cover layers. The cover layers of the sandwich panels, which cover layers are preferably flat at least in some regions, are also formed from a metal material and/or a plastic material, in particular from composite materials, carbon fibre structures, carbon-fibre reinforced epoxy resins or the like. Furthermore, the retainer 1 according to the invention can also be used to attach lines of all kinds to lightweight panels that are formed from a homogeneous material.
An attachment section of the retaining stud 2 comprises a top section 5, a middle section 6 and an end section 7. The top section 5 and the end section 7 are preferably essentially disc-shaped so as to make it possible to insert the retaining stud 2 into a borehole (not shown) within a lightweight element. In a different arrangement the top section 5 and the end section 7 can also have some other geometric cross-sectional design, for example a polygonal cross section.
At least in some parts the cross-sectional area of the middle section 6 can be smaller than that of the top section 5 and of the end section 7. Consequently, when the retaining stud 2 is inserted into a borehole in the region of the middle section 6, a hollow space forms which can be filled with adhesive to attach the retainer 1 in the borehole. If the cross-sectional area of the top section 5 and of the end section 7 is, for example, other than circular, then the lightweight element must comprise a recess with a corresponding cross-sectional geometry to completely accommodate the retaining stud 2 so as to ensure adequate sealing of the hollow space by the top section 5 or by the end section 7 and to avoid undefined adhesive discharge.
The middle section 6, too, can have a cross-sectional geometry that is other than circular, for example in order to prevent the retainer 1 from rotating in the borehole or in the sandwich panel. A non-circular cross-sectional geometry is in particular advantageous if the retainer only comprises one retaining stud 2, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, in order to make it difficult to rotate the retainer. As an alternative, for example a polygonal design of the cross-sectional area of the middle section 6 is possible. Furthermore, to prevent undesirable torsion of the retainer 1 it is also possible to arrange small resistance elements, for example in the form of stamped shapes or impressed shapes, webs, barbs, indentations or the like, in particular in radial direction in the region of the middle section 6 of the retaining stud 2. By means of resistance elements that are designed so as to be geometrically suitable, at the same time an increase in the maximum tensile forces and torsional forces that can be taken up by the retainer 1 is possible.
The base plate 3 further comprises a support surface 8 by which the retainer 1 in the attached state rests on the sandwich panel so as to be essentially flat. The support surface 8 can comprise an adhesive means, for example a double-sided adhesive tape so as to simplify installation of the retainer 1 within a lightweight element.
Furthermore, the retainer 1 comprises a filling channel 9 as well as an outlet channel 10. The filling channel 9 is used for filling the above-mentioned hollow space with an adhesive means to attach the retainer 1 in a borehole (not shown). In this context the outlet channel 10 essentially fulfils two functions. Firstly, said outlet channel 10 may show whether the procedure of filling the hollow space has been completed, which is indicated in that adhesive issues when the fill level is adequate. Secondly, and concurrently, the outlet channel 10 may be used for venting the hollow space 10 during the procedure of filling in adhesive.
FIG. 2 shows a top view of the first embodiment variant of the retainer 1 without the adapter 4.
Underneath the base plate 3 the top section 5, the middle section 6 and the end section 7 of the retaining stud 3 are arranged so as to be covered by the base plate 3. The filling channel 9 and the outlet channel 10 are arranged on either side of the middle section 6; they penetrate the base plate 3 and the top section 5. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 the middle section 6 comprises an essentially circular cross-sectional area. In a way that differs from the circular cross-sectional geometry of the middle section 6 shown, as has already been described above, cross-sectional geometries are possible that differ in shape so as to prevent rotation of the retainer 1 in a sandwich panel.
FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the first embodiment variant of the retainer 1, again without the adapter 4.
The top section 5 and the end section 7 are essentially disk-shaped and comprise a diameter which approximately corresponds to the diameter of a borehole into which the retaining stud 2 may be cemented for attachment to a sandwich panel. In relation to the cross-sectional area of the top section 5 and of the end section 7 the cross-sectional area of the middle section 6 is considerably reduced so as to form a hollow space for placing adhesive into the borehole, between the top section 5 and the end section 7. The retainer 1 rests against the sandwich panel by its support surface 8, while the top section 5 is essentially flush with a top of a sandwich panel.
FIG. 4 shows a top view of a second embodiment variant of a retainer.
In a way that is different from the first embodiment variant of the retainer 1, the retainer 11 according to the second embodiment variant comprises a base plate 12 with two retaining studs 13, 14 so that rotation of the retainer 11 as a result of torsional forces is avoided.
Among other things the holder 11 comprises a base plate 12. Underneath the base plate 12 the two retaining studs 13, 14, which are covered up by the base plate 12, are arranged. The retaining stud 13 comprises an attachment section with a top section 15, a middle section 16 and an end section 17. Correspondingly, an attachment section of the retaining stud 14 comprises a top section 18, a middle section 19 and an end section 20. The retaining stud 13, 14 and the base plate 12 are designed in one piece; they can for example be made from a plastic material in an injection moulding process. As an alternative, the plastic material can comprise fibre reinforcement.
Corresponding to the first embodiment variant of the retainer 1 according to the invention, an adapter (not shown) can be attached to the base plate 12, which adapter makes possible easy and fast connection to correspondingly designed counterpieces, which in turn are arranged on a line that is to be attached by means of the retainer 11.
Preferably, a line to be attached by means of the retainer 11 according to the invention is attached without an adapter or without corresponding counterpieces, directly in the region of the base plate 12 by means of suitable connection elements, for example using cable ties, straps, clamps or the like. To this effect the base plate 12 comprises at least one lead-through, not shown in FIGS. 4, 5, to accommodate or attach the connection elements. The lead-through can for example be designed analogously to the lead-through 4 a of the adapter 4 (compare FIG. 1).
The design of the retaining studs 13, 14 of the retainer 11 essentially corresponds to the design of the retaining stud 2 of the first embodiment variant of the retainer 1 so that essentially the information provided in the context of FIGS. 1 to 3 applies. In the base plate 12 and in the retaining studs 13, 14 two filling channels 21, 22 as well as two outlet channels 23, 24 for placing adhesive to attach the retaining studs 13, 14 in correspondingly shaped boreholes within a sandwich panel are provided. The arrangement, the geometric shape as well as the function of the filling channels 21, 22 and of the outlet channels 23, 24 essentially correspond to the design of the filling channel 9 or of the outlet channel 10 according to the first embodiment variant of the holder 1 (compare FIGS. 1 to 3). The presence of two retaining studs 13, 14 largely prevents rotation of the retainer 11 by torsional forces.
FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the second embodiment variant of the retainer 11.
The two retaining studs 13, 14 are arranged underneath the base plate 12 and form a unit with said base plate 12. The retaining stud 14 comprises the attachment section with the top section 18, the middle section 19 and the end section 20.
Accordingly, the attachment region of the retaining stud 13 comprises a top section 15, a middle section 16 and an end section 17, wherein in the illustration of FIG. 5 the top section 15 and the middle section 16 are covered up by the base plate 12 and are therefore hidden from view. Corresponding to the first embodiment variant the top sections 15, 18 and the end sections 17, 20 also comprise an essentially disc-shaped geometric design. In this arrangement the diameter of the top sections 15, 18 and of the end sections 17, 20 essentially correspond to the diameters of the boreholes (not shown) into which the retaining studs 13, 14 are placed for the purpose of attaching the retainer 11. In comparison to this, the middle sections 16, 19 have a reduced cross-sectional area in order to create a hollow space into which adhesive is placed. For example, if the top sections 15, 18 and the end sections 17, 20 are of a geometric design other than a circular shape, then recesses of a corresponding cross-sectional design have to be made in the lightweight element so as to provide adequate sealing of the hollow space.
The base plate 12 or the retaining studs 13, 14 comprise two filling channels 21, 22 for the placement of adhesive. Furthermore, two outlet channels 23, 24 are provided, not only to indicate completion of the attachment process by the issue of adhesive from the outlet channels 23, 24, but also in order to ensure venting during the process of filling the adhesive into the filling channels 21, 22.
The presence of two retaining studs 13, 14 in the second embodiment variant of the retainer 11 according to the invention largely prevents rotation of the retainer 12 as a result of torsional forces. Furthermore, by means of the retainer 11 according to the invention, lines of greater weight and/or larger cross-sectional dimensions too, for example hydraulic lines, electric lines or the like, can be attached safely and securely to sandwich panels.
In a way that differs from the shown embodiment according to FIGS. 4, 5, the retainer 11 according to the invention can also comprise three, four or a larger number of retaining studs. The use of retainers with a larger number of retaining studs is of advantage in particular when attaching lines of greater weight.
FIG. 6 shows a section view of a sandwich panel 25 with a retainer 26 cemented into it, according to the first embodiment variant of the retainer.
Among other things the retainer 26 comprises a base plate 27 on which a retaining stud 28 is arranged. Together with the base plate 27 the retaining stud 28 forms a one-piece unit. A line (not shown in detail), which is to be attached using the retainer 26 according to the illustration in FIG. 6, is affixed, without an adapter or without counterpieces, directly in the region of the base plate 27 using suitable connection elements, for example using cable ties, straps, clamps or the like. To this effect the base plate 12 of the retainer 26 comprises at least one lead-through, not shown in FIG. 6, to accommodate or attach the connection means.
An attachment section of the retaining stud 28 comprises a top section 29, a middle section 30 and an end section 31. The diameters of the top section 29 and of the end section 31 approximately correspond to the diameter of a borehole 32 which is used to attach the retainer 26 in the sandwich panel 25. In this arrangement the borehole 32 can penetrate the sandwich panel 25 completely, or it can be a blind hole. The sum of the height of the top section 29, the height of the middle section 30 and the height of the end section 31, i.e. the overall height of the retaining stud 28, is preferably somewhat less than the depth of the borehole 32.
The cross-sectional area of the middle section 30 is again smaller than the cross-sectional areas of the top section 29 and of the end section 31 so that a hollow space 33 is formed between the middle section 30 and the borehole 32. At least one imaginary enveloping surface, which encloses the top section 29 and the end section 31, is thus formed so as to be essentially free of undercut in relation to an interior surface of the borehole 32. After the retaining stud 28 has been completely inserted into the borehole 32, the hollow space 33 makes it possible to fill in adhesive 34 by way of the fill channel 35 for attaching the retainer 26 to the sandwich panel 25. In this arrangement the outlet channel 36 is not only used to indicate completion of the filling procedure, but also to vent the hollow space 33. Depending on the retainer material, preferably a low-viscosity rapid-hardening adhesive is used.
A support surface 37 of the retainer 26 rests against the top 38 of the sandwich panel 25.
For attachment during installation of the retainer 26 the base plate 27 can preferably comprise adhesive, for example a double-sided adhesive tape or the like. This results in further simplification during installation of the retainer 26 according to the invention.
The core structure of the sandwich panel 25 is closed off; it comprises for example so-called honeycombs. This prevents any undefined discharge of adhesive 34 from the hollow space 33 into the core structure. If the retainer 26 according to the invention is for example to be inserted in a sandwich panel 25 with an open, drainable core structure, then additional provisions must be made to prevent any undefined discharge of adhesive 34 from the hollow space 33 into the open core structure of the sandwich panel 25. This can for example occur in that the top section 29 and the end section 31 are enclosed by an enveloping foil, which at least in some regions comprises perforations, which enveloping foil prevents undefined discharge of the adhesive 34 into the core structure of the sandwich panel 25 or at least limits such discharge until the adhesive 34 has fully hardened. In this arrangement the enveloping surface has the shape of a cylinder mantle whose height approximately corresponds to the height of the retaining stud 28.
FIG. 7 shows a diagrammatic view of the force progression during the transfer of tensile forces from the retainer 26 to the sandwich panel 25.
The retaining stud 28 of the retainer 26 is located within the borehole 32 in the sandwich panel 25. Essentially the entire support surface 37 of the base plate 27 rests against the top of the sandwich panel 25. Essentially the entire outside of the top section 29 and of the end section 31, which sections are both disc shaped, rests against the interior surface of the borehole 32. For the sake of clarity, in the diagram the hollow space 33 does not contain any adhesive 34.
If shearing forces 39 act on the base plate 27, for example approximately parallel in relation to the top 38 of the sandwich panel 25, then these shearing forces 39 are deflected, in the direction of the arrow 40, from the base plate 27 through the top section 29 into the sandwich panel 25. The illustration in FIG. 7 shows that the retainer 26 can already absorb minor shearing forces 39 without any adhesive having been applied. In order to be able to absorb greater shearing forces 39 it is advantageous if the fittings between the top section 29 as well as the end section 31 and the borehole 32 are press fittings so that in order to attach the retainer 26 the retaining stud 28 has to be pressed into the borehole using light pressure. For the sake of completeness, both the filling channel 35 and the outlet channel 36 are shown in FIG. 7.
FIG. 8 shows a diagrammatic view of the force progression during the transfer of tensile forces from the retainer 26 to the sandwich panel 25.
The retaining stud 28 of the retainer 26 is accommodated within the borehole 32 in the sandwich panel 25. The support surface 37 of the base plate 27 rests essentially entirely against the top 38 of the sandwich panel 25. Essentially the entire outside surface of the top section 29 and of the end section 31 connect with the inside of the borehole 32.
In a way that is different from the illustration of FIG. 7 the hollow space 33 is completely filled with adhesive 34. Filling adhesive 34 into the hollow space 33 is by way of the filling channel 35. Completion of the filling process may be indicated by adhesive 34 issuing from the outlet channel 36. Apart from this function, the outlet channel also functions as a vent in order to ensure rapid filling of adhesive 34 into the hollow space 33 without forming any bubbles.
If a tensile force 41 acts on the retainer 26 or on the base plate 27, then this tensile force 41 is introduced along the arrow 42 by way of the retaining stud 28 and the adhesive 34 into the sandwich panel 25. This may result in good and even distribution of the effect of the tensile force 41 on the sandwich panel 25. By arranging resistance elements in the region of the middle section 30, the magnitude of the tensile forces and torsional forces that can be transmitted by the retainer 26 can be increased.
FIG. 9 illustrates a section of the sandwich panel along the section line A-A during the introduction of tensile forces (compare FIG. 8). The tensile forces are transferred from the middle section 30 of the holder to the sandwich panel 25 by way of the adhesive 34. FIG. 9 shows that the area 43 that is available for transferring the tensile forces into the sandwich panel 25 is relatively large so that an essentially evenly distributed transfer of tensile forces results, starting from the middle section 30 by way of the adhesive 34 into the sandwich panel 25.
According to the method of the invention for attaching lines to lightweight elements of means of transport, in particular to sandwich panels in aircraft, at first at least one borehole is made in the sandwich panel. After this the retainer according to the invention, which retainer for example comprises only one retaining stud, is inserted into the borehole and slightly pressed into said borehole. In order to attach the retainer in the borehole, if necessary the support surface can comprise adhesive, for example a piece of double-sided adhesive tape. After this, by way of the filling channel of the retainer, adhesive is filled into the borehole or the hollow space until said adhesive issues from the outlet channel, thus indicating completion of the cementing- or attachment procedure. Finally, the line to be attached is either attached directly to the retainer by means of a corresponding accommodation device, or an adapter is clipped onto the retainer or attached thereon in some other way, into which adapter again a counterpiece that is located on the line can be inserted.
If by means of the method according to the invention a retainer is to be attached that comprises several retaining studs, then a corresponding number of boreholes must be made in the sandwich panel, into which boreholes the retaining studs of the retainer are then inserted and pressed. Attachment of the retainer itself takes place in the same way as attachment of a retainer that comprises only one retaining stud.
It should be noted that the term “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps and the “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. Also elements described in association with different embodiments may be combined.
It should also be noted that reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

REFERENCE LIST

1 Retainer
2 Retaining stud
3 Base plate
4 Adapter
4 a Lead-through
5 Top section
6 Middle section
7 End section
8 Support surface
9 Filling channel
10 Outlet channel
11 Retainer
12 Base plate
13 Retaining stud
14 Retaining stud
15 Top section
16 Middle section
17 End section
18 Top section
19 Middle section
20 End section
21 Filling channel
22 Filling channel
23 Outlet channel
24 Outlet channel
25 Sandwich panel
26 Retainer
27 Base plate
28 Retaining stud
39 Top section
30 Middle section
31 End section
32 Borehole
33 Hollow space
34 Adhesive
35 Filling channel
36 Outlet channel
37 Support surface
38 Top
39 Shearing force
40 Arrow
41 Tensile force
42 Arrow
43 Area

Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A retainer for attaching lines to lightweight elements of means of transport, including to sandwich panels of aircraft, comprising:

a base plate;

at least one retaining stud being adapted to be cemented into a borehole within a lightweight element,

wherein the at least one retaining stud is designed to be free of any undercut, and is connected in one piece to the base plate.

2. The retainer of claim 1, wherein the at least one retaining stud comprises an attachment section, wherein the attachment section can be inserted into a borehole in the lightweight element.

3. The retainer of claim 1, wherein the attachment section comprises a top section, a middle section and an end section.

4. The retainer of claim 3, wherein the top section and the end section are essentially disc-shaped, with the diameter of the top section and the diameter of the end section essentially corresponding to the borehole diameter of the respective borehole.

5. The retainer of claim 3, wherein at least in some sections the cross-sectional area of the middle section is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the respective borehole so as to form a hollow space for accommodating adhesive.

6. The retainer of claim 5, wherein the adhesive for attaching the retaining stud or retaining studs in the borehole can be placed into the hollow space in the lightweight element.

7. The retainer of claim 3, wherein at least in some sections the cross-sectional geometry of the middle section is other than circular.

8. The retainer of claim 3, wherein the middle section comprises at least one resistance element, in particular at least one projection, at least one indentation or the like.

9. The retainer of claim 1, wherein the at least one retaining stud comprises at least one filling channel, into which adhesive may be placed, and at least one outlet channel for venting and indicating a fill level.

10. The retainer of claim 1, wherein at least one line can be attached directly in the region of the base plate.

11. The retainer of claim 1, wherein the base plate comprises at least one lead-through for attaching at least one attachment means, in particular at least one cable tie.

12. The retainer of claim 1, further comprising:

an adapter for attaching the line or lines can be attached to the base plate.

13. The retainer of claim 12, wherein the adapter comprises at least one lead-through for attaching at least one attachment means, in particular at least one cable tie.

14. The retainer of claim 5, wherein the adhesive comprises a plastic material, in particular a low-viscosity rapid-hardening plastic material.

15. A method for attaching lines to lightweight elements of means of transport, including to sandwich panels of aircraft, by means of a retainer comprising at least one retaining stud and a base plate comprising:

providing the lightweight element with at least one borehole;

inserting the at least one retaining stud into the respective borehole;

pacing adhesive into the respective borehole through at least one filling channel in the at least one retaining stud so as to attach the retainer in the lightweight element, and attaching at least one line in the region of the base plate.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

attaching an adapter in the region of the base plate; and

attaching the at least one line to the adapter.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

pacing an adhesive is placed into the at least one filling channel until the adhesive issues from the at least one outlet channel.